A.P. CM announces DA, other benefits for govt. employees ahead of Deepavali

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on Saturday that the government will release a one Dearness Allowance (DA) to all government employees, effective from November 1, adding that this move would put a burden of ₹160 crore on the State exchequer.

The Chief Minister announced a series of benefits and welfare measures for the government employees ahead of Deepavali.

Mr. Naidu held a meeting with leaders of various government employees’ associations at his camp office in Amaravati. Representatives from the APNGOs Association, AP JAC Amaravati, AP Government Employees’ Association, Secretariat Employees’ Association, and teachers’ unions participated in the discussions.

Ministers P. Keshav, Nadendla Manohar, and Satyakumar Yadav, along with senior officials, were also present. Speaking to the media after the meeting, the Chief Minister said the government was working systematically to rectify the damage caused by the previous YSRCP regime. 

Addressing employee unions in Amaravati, Mr. Naidu announced relief measures for the Police Department, stating that one instalment of earned leave would be cleared and payments would be made in two instalments, amounting to ₹210 crore in total.  

To ensure better administrative efficiency, Mr. Naidu said that all government systems will be streamlined within 60 days, particularly in relation to real-time management of health expenditure and insurance.  

180 days child care leave

In a significant welfare measure for women employees, the government has allowed 180 days of child care leave to be availed at any time up to retirement, removing any age restrictions on its usage.  

The Chief Minister assured that pending promotions for APSRTC employees would be cleared soon. Property tax on the employees’ association buildings will also be waived off.  

Mr. Naidu announced plans to re-designate Class IV employees in a way that enhances their status within the system. “These measures are not just Deepavali gifts, but also reflect our respect and recognition for the invaluable role government employees play in the State’s development,” Mr. Naidu said. 

Stating the PRC issues will be addressed shortly, he said CPS and OPS related matters will be discussed at Cabinet Sub-Committee level and that the government is trying to address them.  

“Employees are key partners in the development of Andhra Pradesh. We are taking every step to see that they are not put to inconvenience. Andhra Pradesh Corporation for Outsourced Services and APSRTC employees are also part of the government workforce,” he said.